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Lemon Cream Cheese Squares With Basil Lemon Glaze 1767819574.3216097

sunshine lemon cream cheese squares

  • Author: Elina Mirkle
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 squares 1x
  • Diet: General

Description

These Lemon Cream Cheese Squares offer a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors with a buttery graham cracker crust and vibrant basil-lemon glaze. They are surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 200g (7oz) Graham Cracker Crumbs (about 1 ¾ cups), notes
  • 60g (¼ cup) Unsalted Butter, melted
  • 30g (2 Tbsp) Granulated Sugar (for crust)
  • 400g (14oz) Cream Cheese, softened
  • 100g (½ cup) Granulated Sugar (for filling)
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 120ml (½ cup) Fresh Lemon Juice
  • Zest of 2 Lemons
  • 1 tsp Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract
  • 120ml (½ cup) Water (for glaze)
  • 100g (½ cup) Granulated Sugar (for glaze)
  • 60ml (¼ cup) Fresh Lemon Juice (for glaze)
  • 10g (1 Tbsp) Fresh Basil Leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch mixed with 1 Tbsp Water (slurry)
  • Zest of 1 Lemon, for garnish
  • 1 tsp Finely Chopped Basil Leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F), line a 20x20cm (8x8in) pan with parchment paper.
  2. Combine Crust Ingredients: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until moistened.
  3. Press the Crust: Press crumb mixture firmly into the pan.
  4. Bake the Crust: Bake for 10 minutes, until lightly golden.
  5. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  6. Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well.
  7. Incorporate Lemon & Vanilla: Stir in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
  8. Pour & Bake the Filling: Pour mixture over crust, bake for 20-25 minutes, until edges are set.
  9. Cool & Chill: Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  10. Make the Basil-Lemon Glaze: Combine water, sugar, lemon juice, and basil in a saucepan.
  11. Simmer & Thicken the Glaze: Simmer, stirring, then add cornstarch slurry.
  12. Cook & Cool the Glaze: Cook for 2 minutes, until glossy and thickened.
  13. Glaze & Garnish: Pour glaze over chilled bars, sprinkle with zest and basil.
  14. Cut & Serve: Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Using full-fat cream cheese is crucial for a creamy texture. Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumps. Don’t overbake; a slight wobble is ideal.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: lemon,cream cheese,squares,basil,glaze,dessert,easy,baking,citrus

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Find it online: https://easydashrecipes.com/lemon-cream-cheese-squares-with-basil-lemon-glaze/